( FOX has Steroid-Repponsive Meningitis)

 These posts are now getting beyond strange!! Why dont you post everything in one thread instead of continuously starting new ones? And last time i looked this site was not a Christian one.

What is Steroid-Repponsive Meningitis than ?

I'm glad you got a better diagnosis.  The vet gave you pred for this?  This is stil pretty serious ... but usually they recover completely.

A few things you *must* know about prednisone, ok?

1.  Prednisone will make them DRINK TONS of water.  Let Fox drink *all* he wants.  His body needs it to process the prednisone.

2.  That also means Fox will have to potty TONS of times.  Far far far more often than normal -- so watch carefully for any sign that Fox needs to go out.  And don't be surprised if Fox has accidents too.

That's not because he's not telling you -- one of the side effects of prednisone can be that it kind of messes with the muscle response -- Fox may have a full bladder and *try* to go and can't.  Then he may walk a few steps or back in the house and lose control.  OR he might lose control in his sleep. 

It would be wise to keep an extra sheet over his bedding -- maybe even just fold up some washable blankets or sheets and put it where he sleeps so if he has an accident it won't make a big difference.

3.  Prednisone is very hard on the kidneys (that's why the body wants so much water) ... AND it is hard on his liver.  If you can pick up some milk thislte at Wal-Mart -- it will help.  Give him 1-2 capsules twice a day.  You can ask the vet if you want, but "silymarin" or milk thistle is well known to help protect the liver and kidneys.  It won't have other bad side effects.

4.  Prednisone is a pretty cheap drug.  But you can *not* just stop it.  Even if Fox begins to act 'fine' -- don't stop the drug.  Once they have taken it for even just a few days the body becomes a bit addicted to it -- yes the vet knows that and it's ok. 

Because when the vet wants to take Fox OFF the prednisone they will "wean" it off.  That means they will likely go to a smaller dose, then an even smaller dose -- sometimes taking weeks to reduce the drug gradually.

This is a good thing -- this helps the body not 'rebound'.  If you take them off it too suddenly, the very thing you put them on the prednisone for can come back -- even worse than before.  So do exactly what the vet says ok?

Feel free to email me if you have questions ok?

Are you able to give Fox those pills? 

Prednisone is very bitter -- you can use butter, or even something slippery like ricotta cheese, yogurt or such to help get the pills down.  If you need me to I will type out how to give them. 

Don't try to 'hide' the pills -- Fox is a DOG *smile* remember -- his nose is WAY better than yours.  So he knows it's there.   So just tell him "This is your medicine and it will help you feel better."  Give him a little taste of whatever you put it in and then show him you're putting the pill in the next blob of it.

"Just swallow!" -- you don't want him to bite into it.  (That's why I don't put it in hard cheese or anything they might try to chew b/c it gets caught in their teeth.)  Then after Fox swallows, give him another little bit of stuff -- that will help it go all the way to the stomach.

Take care -- holler if I can help.

http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2006&PID=15924&O=Generic

Just wanted to mention that the above post is incorrect about this diagnosis.  It is NOT an infection.  Meningitis indicates inflammation of the meninges, and doesn't have to be secondary to an infection.  The appropriate treatment is steroids and not antibiotics. 

I'm glad you posted a link for her -- I don't know much about it, and likely the only cases I've known treated weren't properly treated.  I know it tends to be misdiagnosed at first very frequently.  If there aren't expensive antibiotics to buy then all the better for her.

Got a shot tonight plus the patch plus Prednisone for 5 days,one tab once daily for 5 days than 1 tablet every other day until gone .

Edie

Why dont you post everything in one thread instead of continuously starting new ones? And last time i looked this site was not a Christian one

   Edie, it's true this isn't a Christian site, but members frequently ask for prayer in the "Spiritual Circle". I don't see the harm in this member expressing her faith in the Lord in her thread; most of the content is about her sick dog. Also, she's new to the forum and I'm sure she will organize her posts better with more experience. For now, she's very concerned for her dog, and I think we need to be supportive.
 

What I don't understand is why did I an email from her telling me about this and at the end, mentioned that another vet bill was $140.00.       And how did she get my email, this wasn't in the private message section, it my regular email address from her address.

maizys, and anyone else who rec'd emails please let Kate know. Thanks.

Ok

maizysmom

What I don't understand is why did I an email from her telling me about this and at the end, mentioned that another vet bill was $140.00.       And how did she get my email, this wasn't in the private message section, it my regular email address from her address.

The member did not get your email address, this is what happens when you elect to email someone through the "contact" button on a post.  It will email to your address, from their address - but they cannot see what your email address is.

If you have not deleted it, please forward the email to me, or copy it into a PM.  Thanks. 

I do not recall going to the contact button, I had just responded to a post of hers and said--God is Good, meaning the prayers helped..I could have mistakenly hit it, but I don't think so.